Camera for day hiking?

Posted by: Thlorian

Camera for day hiking? - 01/04/14 02:58 AM

Hello - New to hiking and just hitting light trails at local/state parks 1-2 times per month. On my first couple of hikes thus far, my iPhone camera is not reliable for taking pics on the fly as half of them come out blurry (could be user error too). I would like to "upgrade" by purchasing a small, simple, durable/rugged camera that is easy to access from a pocket or day pack and will catch (and/or zoom in a little) to catch "action" shots of animals, flora, etc without the blurs. Budget is from $50-$150. Any tips/info/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Posted by: balzaccom

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/04/14 09:58 AM

WE've used a little canon powershot for years. IT was probably more expensive than you budget--but they are cheaper now. Very lightweight, has image stabilization, and a decent zoom. ANd I you leave the display off most of the time, the battery will last well longer than a one-week backpacking trip!

you can the photos it took on our website---they were all done with the canon PS780...
Posted by: jimmyb

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/04/14 12:32 PM

+1 on the Cannon powershot. We have an Elph HS we carry on hikes and have taken hundreds of pics. It can also take short video - very cool. I wouldn't say you will be taking award winning close ups of critters far away but it sure is nice to have some decent quality memory pics of the places you travel.

jimmyb

Edit- keep in mind this camera is not waterproof. They do make waterproof and shock resistant pocket cameras.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/04/14 03:15 PM

There is quite a bit of camera info also in the Backcountry Photography section, sandwiched between photo collections and items about techniques. You might want to look there, too.
Posted by: Rick_D

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/04/14 04:47 PM

Originally Posted By Thlorian
Hello - New to hiking and just hitting light trails at local/state parks 1-2 times per month. On my first couple of hikes thus far, my iPhone camera is not reliable for taking pics on the fly as half of them come out blurry (could be user error too). I would like to "upgrade" by purchasing a small, simple, durable/rugged camera that is easy to access from a pocket or day pack and will catch (and/or zoom in a little) to catch "action" shots of animals, flora, etc without the blurs. Budget is from $50-$150. Any tips/info/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


Given your budget and list of wants, plan on looking at used cameras. For wildlife you need reach, which means a long zoom range. For no blur you need image stabilization, accurate autofocus and a "fast" lens that allows you to shoot at relatively low ISOs. Maybe start by looking at "superzoom" comparison tests at DPReview. FWIW, pocketable cameras won't have the reach for critters, but can capture landscapes.

Happy shopping,

Posted by: finallyME

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/05/14 11:19 PM

I use a cannon powershot. It takes 1080p video as well. My last weeklong trip, with taking video, and a bunch of pictures, I had more than half the battery at the end of the trip.

But, yeah, phone cameras suck. I can never get as good a picture as my cannon does.
Posted by: BZH

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/06/14 01:35 PM

My advice is to give up believing you can get an zoomed-in action shot of animals 100 yards away with point and shoot cameras. If something is far away, getting a nice up close shot of it is almost impossible without heavy bulky equipment. Putting large cheap zoom lenses on cheap point and shoot cameras will make every over picture you take with that camera substandard.

My advice is to get a nice small (minimal zoom) point and shoot camera from a reputable company (Canon, Nikon and a few others). Do not focus on zoom range or megapixels; in my experience these play no role in producing nice images. I consider point and shoot cameras pretty disposable. I buy a cheap Canon (~$100-150) every year or two.

In terms of technique. Holding the camera steady is most important. Secondly don't expect more from you equipment than it can do (telephoto action shots, low light objects in the distance). Thirdly spend some time thinking about how you want to frame the photo. People don't seem to spend a lot of time framing there photos. (it is a pet peeve of mine when people in photos are cut-off below the knees.)
Posted by: lori

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/06/14 08:26 PM

I have a Nikon CoolPix which is essentially a point and shoot with a long telephoto lens. I have had much better results with animal closeups with it - however, it's bulky and heavy, nearly as much so as a smaller DSLR.

It could probably be found for less than 200, tho I got mine on Amazon in a package deal with a tripod and a bunch of other small items including spare batteries and cleaning kit.
Posted by: Gershon

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 01/08/14 12:47 PM

I also have a Nikon Coolpix. I got it at WalMart for $100. I prefer a camera which can use rechargeable batteries. Here is a video I took a couple summers ago. After about 2:30 it's almost all wildlife shots. I didn't use the zoom.

Posted by: makofoto

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 03/31/15 01:28 AM

You want a small light ruggedized waterproof camera ... allows you to shoot in any conditions:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3436829389/dpreview-recommends-best-waterproof-cameras

If you check the individual cameras on Amazon you can read reader reviews
Posted by: AdventureMyk

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 03/31/15 01:48 AM

First rule of quality pics with a point & shoot: If it has the option to do so, turn OFF digital zoom. The moment it goes from optical to digital any semblance of quality goes right out the window. You aren't buying it for 100 yard shots and if you are, you are getting the wrong item.

I've been using the Canon Powershots for years, however, over the last few years they have gotten smaller, better overall resolution, nice big LCD screens on the back and... killed the overall control/features.

I can't seem to find a P&S that gives me 3 key things:
Raw
Aperture control
Time control

All three used to be available as well as full manual modes. Those are apparently gone the way of the floppy disc and CD. Good news is I have a 1Ds and a 1D Mark IIn, yet carrying 15lbs of camera gear + the backpack isn't exactly working. Still looking for a good compromise.
Posted by: Rick_D

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 03/31/15 09:53 PM

Don't know how long this deal will be available, but if you have $240, you can have one of these.

Cheers,
Posted by: SurvivalDad

Re: Camera for day hiking? - 04/02/15 04:26 PM

There are several nice cameras on the market for reasonable prices. Just take the time to look around.